Donald Trump Reacts to USA World Cup ticket price: “I wouldn’t pay it”

Donald Trump Reacts to USA World Cup ticket price: “I wouldn’t pay it”

  • Trump has slammed reports of a $1,000 World Cup ticket, admitting he “wouldn’t pay it” for USA’s 2026 opener
  • FIFA faces backlash over “extortionate” pricing as Trump questions affordability for ordinary football fans
  • Controversy grows over 2026 World Cup ticket costs with Trump warning fans could be priced out of matches

United States President Donald Trump has said he would not pay the reported $1,000 (£736) ticket price to watch the USA’s 2026 World Cup opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles.

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Donald Trump slams expensive World Cup ticket prices ahead of USA vs. Paraguay opener. Image credit: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds
Source: Getty Images

The US president admitted that he was unaware of the figure when asked by The New York Post.

"I did not know that number," Trump told The New York Post, external when asked about fans having to pay $1,000 (£736) to watch the USA's first Group D match.
"I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn't pay it either, to be honest with you."

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He added concerns that ordinary supporters could be priced out:

"If people from Queens and Brooklyn and all of the people that love Donald Trump can't go, I would be disappointed, but, you know, at the same time, it's an amazing success," added Trump.

FIFA has faced criticism over “extortionate” pricing and resale fees of up to 30%, though president Gianni Infantino insists prices match US sporting events.

The body has also introduced £45 tickets and reduced New Jersey transport costs by 30%.

African World Cup qualifying teams

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that 10 African nations have secured automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The conclusion follows the completion of the first round of CAF qualifiers in October 2025 and the inter-confederation playoff stage.

Among the qualified sides is Ghana, alongside continental heavyweights Egypt, Senegal, South Africa and Morocco, all confirming their places at the tournament.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Gariba Raubil avatar

Gariba Raubil (Sports Editor) Gariba Raubil is a skilled sports writer and broadcaster with over 14 years of experience in sports journalism. He is a CAF and FIFA-accredited reporter and has been a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) and the Sports Writers Association of Ghana since 2020. He has covered several international tournaments, including two All-Africa Games in 2015 and 2023. He also reported on the 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, the 2018 Women’s AFCON, and the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. Email: gariba.raubil@yen.com.gh

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